LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2021

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A QUARTET OF SUPERB SUMMER WINES

RIOJA IS SPAIN’S most celebrated and beloved wine region, climbing westward along the river Ebro to high-altitude vineyards in the foothills of the Sierra de Cantabria. Centuries of experience have taught winemakers the subtleties of Rioja’s many microclimates and how to cultivate greatness from the Tempranillo grape, adding nuances with other indigenous varieties, and ageing their wines in French or American oak. Like artists working with a myriad di erent colours, they produce individual masterpieces, some classic expressions, others more avant garde. On one thing they all agree: Rioja wines do not leave the bodega until they are fully mature – patiently aged in barrel and bottle for as many years as are needed. So you can trust they will always be ready to enjoy. The colour-coded Rioja trust seal on the back label is your guarantee. Rioja is a many-faceted jewel, with wines ranging from everyday favourites to Gran Reservas worthy of great occasions. There are always more to explore. Perfectly balanced, Riojas pair beautifully with summertime grilling, and o er quality and value with no equal.

Bodegas Tobía Selección de Autor 2017 VINTAGES 364828, August 7 release, $22.95 Oscar Tobía is the autor in question, here delivering a wine with the elegance, muscularity and balance of a dancer. Red berry, cassis and violets lead the way with minty dark chocolate in the ïòñê öìïîèñ Ĥñìöë

Montecillo Reserva 2013 LCBO 621003, $17.80

Muga Rosé 2020 VINTAGES 603795, $15.95 Lighter summer dishes call for a fresh dry rosé like this one, with aromas of rose petals, strawberry and a hint of juicy pink grapefruit. For all ì÷ö õèĤñèðèñ÷ there’s a tangy intensity that lingers delightfully on the palate.

Bodegas Palacios Remondo La Vendimia 2019 VINTAGES 674564, July 10 release, $18.95 From the warmer Rioja Oriental zone, 50% Garnacha adds fruitiness and body to the regal elegance of Tempranillo. Íèèó ĥäùòøõö òé æëèõõü raspberry and earthy oak. Fabulous balance and length.

A benchmark Rioja from the 150-year- old bodega. Nine years ageing brings spicy oak, rich fruit, velvety tannins and food- friendly acidity into smooth alignment. Sophisticated, complex, complete.